Palliative Care in Geriatric Trauma: Quantitative Insight From 64 Trauma Surgeon Survey Respondent on Utilizing Specialty Palliative Care in Geriatric Trauma.

BackgroundEarly specialty palliative care (SPC) involvement in geriatric trauma care improves outcomes, quality of life and healthcare utilization. However, SPC usage is inconsistent and imprecise. A knowledge gap persists in understanding surgeons perspectives towards SPC and barriers in geriatric trauma. MethodsThe 38-question survey was distributed through a prestigious surgical societys membership. Subsequently, comparative analysis of responses was completed based on demographic features. Results64 surgeons responded (2.8%). 87.5% of respondents identified a potentially life-limiting diagnosis/prognosis and 76.6% conflicting goals of care as consult triggers. 59.4% reported comfort in addressing the palliative needs without SPC consult. The perception of limited SPC availability (54.7%) was a common barrier. 28.1% felt that patient/family resistance was the most common reason not to consult SPC. ConclusionsSurgeons reported comfort with goals of care discussions, perceived limited SPC availability, and the perception of patient/family resistance as limitation to consultation. These data provide previously unexplored insight from trauma surgeons.